After giving up 608 yards and 52 points to No. 4 Ohio State, Cal’s defense may be getting exactly what it needs.

A bye week.

The Bears practiced Tuesday after taking two days off, and had a light workout to begin the week.

“I think it’s definitely a positive,” head coach Sonny Dykes said of the timing of the open date. “I think when you haven’t played well, it’s always good for you to get a little extra work. It’s a positive from an injury standpoint and just getting refreshed.”

With six defensive starters missing games this season, Cal has an extra week to get healthy. The bye week also gives it more time to prepare for its next game against Oregon on Sept. 28. The Ducks rank second in the country in points (61.3) and yards per game (672).

“Oregon’s pretty unique in what they do, so they’ll require a little extra time to get ready for,” Dykes said.

With the nation’s fourth-worst defense in terms of yards allowed per game (556.3), defensive coordinator Andy Buh is using the additional time to find some consistency among his defensive backs.

“We’re trying to find some stability,” Buh said. “Keeping the same guys in all the time.”

The left side of the secondary has surrendered several big passing plays, often in a nickel set with five defensive backs. The coaches are now considering staying in their base 4-3 defense against spread offenses instead of opting for the nickel.

Regardless of the personnel group, Stefan McClure, who has been shifting inside to play the nickel cornerback position, will see more time on the left side.

“We’re going to go with the guy who gives us the best opportunity to win. Right now, that’s going to be McClure out there,” Buh said.

Cochran to have surgery

Although players on defense are beginning to heal, the offense took a tough blow over the weekend.

According to Dykes, starting right guard Matt Cochran will undergo surgery to repair a high ankle sprain sustained in Saturday’s game. He will miss at least a month.

“They’re going to fuse the bone back together,” Dykes said of the surgery.

Alejandro Crosthwaite worked with the first team in his place. Bill Tyndall will also compete for the job.

Injury report

LB Nick Forbes (back) is cleared to play, but according to Dykes, he needs to work his way back up the depth chart

S Michael Lowe (ankle) was back at practice and worked with the first team.

S Alex Logan (head) did not practice, but Dykes expects him to be back soon.

LB Michael Barton (knee) did not practice, but was running on the side.

DE Sione Sina, who has been out since camp, underwent an ACL surgery and will be out for the season. He will redshirt and have two years of eligibility remaining.

Extra Points

Freddie Tagaloa, the team’s starting left tackle in the first three games, split time with Christian Okafar in Tuesday’s practice. Dykes said all the spots on the offensive line are up for grabs.

Bryce Treggs was added to the preliminary watch list for the Biletnikoff Award, an award given to the nation’s top receiver. He joins Chris Harper, who has named to the list before the season began. Treggs and Harper have combined for more receiving yards (641) than any receiver duo in the country.